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Boat Bar, Seattle, WA
Boat Bar, Seattle, WA
Boat Bar, Seattle, WA
Boat Bar, Seattle, WA
Boat Bar, Seattle, WA

Boat Bar

4.6
4.6
370 Reviews
$31 to $50
Seafood
Top Tags:
Brought to you by Renee Erickson and the Sea Creatures team, Boat Bar offers a casual, chic atmosphere next door to its companion restaurant - the award-winning Bateau. Chef Taylor Thornhill of Bateau presents a menu that focuses on oysters, seafood, and fresh, seasonal, small plates. Join us for Happy Hour from 5-6pm daily, when you can get $1 off all oysters, beer, glass pours of wine, house cocktails, and well spirits. Stop by on your way to Bateau or take in a full meal with us at the Boat Bar. We can't wait to host you! Until we meet at the table....

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2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 13 times today
Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, French, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon, Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Mon, Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–6:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (206) 900-8808
  • Website
    http://www.boatbarseattle.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • Executive chef
    Taylor Thornhill
  • Location
    1060 East Union St., Seattle, WA 98122
  • Neighborhood
    Capitol Hill / First Hill
  • Cross street
    11th Ave.
  • Parking details
    None
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • Dining Room Reservation

    Multiple dates available
    With daydreams of Normandy and Brittany's marine flavors in mind, our dining room evokes a bright and airy iteration of our favorite seafood focused French bistros.

  • Oyster Bar Reservation

    Multiple dates available
    As part of our dining room, our curve designed Oyster Bar seating features an up-close counter height viewing of our shuckers in action.

What 370 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Seattle

    Seafood

370 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love this restaurant — been our “date place” for many years … and it has never disappointed us. The new fish & chips special with a bottle of wine? Great deal. The marinated mussels were divine. Aji was an excellent steward of the oysters and all parts of the menu as well. The colorful design makes for a fun environment, and we can’t wait to go back.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, wonderful service. We love all the Sea Creatures places.

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  3. mwhcdn

    Vancouver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Quick, friendly and professional service. Ambience was great. Food was incredible - the black cod was cooked perfectly.

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  4. JessicaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Was a great treat for my oyster loving fiancé's birthday

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  5. ChristopherG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Superb food and cocktails and a lovely ambience. Everything was delicious and our service was good.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was amazing! The clam dip, squash, and Manila clams were our favorite.The service was wonderful. We had a reservation, but the people at our table were still eating at that time. The employees were so kind and continuously updated us on the status of our table as we waited at the bar. The cocktails were good, but did take 20-30 minutes to make. So our table decided to order a couple bottles of tasty wine instead of a second round of cocktails.

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  7. Ampetrin

    Seattle

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Spectacular food, service and atmosphere. We tried a few different things but the seafood platter was definitely the stand out with every bite being delectable! (Those crackers are totally addicting!!) The steak frites was perfect with frites like my mom used to make to fatten me up as a skinny teen AMAZING! (Great price point for steak frites of this quality as well). Loved the drinks, olives and tartar as well. Beautiful space and lovely staff.

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  8. CindyS

    Columbus

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 6, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing on all fronts. Knowledgeable staff. Friendly service. First out food culture.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The bar was busy and it took a while to get our drinks. We remedied that by ordering a bottle of wine after our first cocktail. The oysters were and the steak frites were both delicious.

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  10. craigm

    Seattle

    17 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Bar Melusine and then Boat Bar became our go to spot to enjoy bright, beautiful seafood while paying homage to Ms Erickson. The oysters are still stellar, the cocktails nicely crafted and the burger and frites remain the best in Seattle but chef Taylor Thornhill has turned the rest of the menu into a think piece that dares the diners to disagree. The “Smoked Scallops w/ black garlic and Squid Ink” had all the appeal of a mud puddle forcing guests to fish around in the muck with black nori chips. The “Sweet Gem Lettuces” were groaning with overly seasoned goop that defeated the purpose of featuring such crisp lettuces in the first place. I still gag when I think about Billy’s poor tomatoes combined with olives and melon and floating in liquid. Why do all the dishes resemble soup? The restaurant seems to have lost its reference point with its muddy flavors, stodgy dishes and a maddeningly incongruent soundtrack. What is the reference point at Boat Bar because it certainly isn’t Brittany, Normandy OR Paris.

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  11. PSoetantyo

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    It was nice we had oysters but i think the price is more expensive then in other place where you cn get the same oyater at. Lower place and still in nice restaurant. I guess the oysters bar experience what make it more expensive.

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  12. armstrong

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ideal place on a summer night for interesting small fish dishes, white wine, and good company!

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  13. Cccccc

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    the servant is irresponsive. We are not very happy about this

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  14. AmbienceYesFoodNo

    New York Area

    19 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The ambience is great! Cute spot, love the colors! The food was good but everything was over-salted. I wouldn't run back for the food.

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  15. JohnR

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Every dish had great depth of flavor and was perfectly seasoned. It was our best meal in Seattle.

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was good, our server was rather pretentious, as if he was doing us a service serving us

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  17. LisaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The experience for great. The only disappointment is this was a birthday celebration and most places at comp a dessert or apéritif .

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  18. RitaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a stellar experience in all respects. The menu is ingenious with a combination of offerings that are truly original. Flavor packed, fresh and oh so pretty to look at. Love this place! Everyone works in harmony at this restaurant which made OUR experience that much better. Highly recommendable.

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  19. BenjaminO

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 4, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Ok food, nothing more. Disturbing that in 2023, some restaurants (like Boat Bar) are still bringing in sparkling water from the other side of the world (England), when there are excellent local springs that provide sustainable alternatives.

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  20. Dinner56

    Naples

    72 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    72 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Enjoyed tapa format with a few entrees . All very good, service was attentive and knowledgeable. Would recommend

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  21. DebbieP

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food! This was our second visit in less than 10 days! I love how you can get the Boat Bar Platter (all I wanted to try on the menu), plus order some steaks from Bateau next door! Cocktails are to die for! And service was great!!!

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  22. YsaM

    Dallas

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was great but overpriced. Staff was very accommodating.

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  23. Foody

    Seattle

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    The meal was VERY disappointing! The service was not great either!

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  24. dlynn

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely outstanding. The place was so lovely, comfortable, and the food was exquisite. Very creative offerings - that Dungeness crab stuffed savory doughnut with salmon caramel on top was crazy good! Everything so thoughtfully crafted and presented. Food as art and so inspired. One of the most unique dining experiences with regard to flavor combinations, ultra fresh tasting ingredients with the beautiful notion that people eat with their eyes first, all presented with exemplary kind and friendly customer care. Thank you for a wonderful, memorable evening!

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  25. MikiT

    Tulsa

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Ordered the steak frites, and the meat had quite a bit of gristle in it. Dungeness donut, couldn't really taste the crab in there. Overall, not impressed, below expectation for the price.

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  26. GwendolynA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Overall, we had a lovely dining experience. The staff were attentive, helpful, and enthusiastic with regards to the menu. We tried all the oysters and found that experience to be outstanding. Surprisingly, a dish that did not impress us on the menu was the salmon crudo. We expected more flavor from the fish. Other dishes were interesting and tasty, especially the gem salad. Great wine list, which I hope to enjoy another time.

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  27. Preston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    One of the best meals I've had in recent memory. Burger is unbelievable, easily top three of ones I've eaten in years. Get it- it's only three dollars more than the bread and butter after all. Though if you have a bigger stomach like mine, either get it as an appetizer (what I did) or order two if you want your stomach filled. Yes, 13 dollars for a glorified slider seems ridiculous, but trust me it's worth it.

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  28. Brandon

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Easily my favorite spot on Capitol Hill if not in Seattle. The food is simply delicious, the service is attentive without being overbearing or emptily "friendly." The dining room is simple and spare, and beautifully reflects the flavors served up. Oysters always fresh; clean, flavorful beef (tar tar is a must, and a lovely little slider); fresh and aromatic veggies. The green salad with little shrimp is crisp and delightful. Every aspect of the meal is on point, down to the flat- and glassware. And a place that offers a hint of fine-dining, without any pretentiousness (a great place to learn how to be and feel like a sophisticated diner), and decor that meets the casual Seattle patron halfway, with a light bitro-y feel that sort of dresses *you* up without making you ever feel underdressed. Delightful.

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  29. MC13B

    Seattle

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on June 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    From the gracious host who seamlessly accommodated my error in reservation to Megans hospitable and attentive service to the delicious and refreshing pathfinder (who needs spirits with this?) and of course the selection of freshest and most amazing fruits of the sea and land it was an amazing experience in a setting that could have been somewhere in France…Perfection in summer dining experience.

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  30. Bronnie

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Some of the most interesting food in Seattle, with terrific service, a great ambiance and lots of good people watching.

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  31. pfcheng

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of the best dinning experience I've had in Seattle

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  32. Musician

    Seattle

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on June 15, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    Food was good, however, a waiter was terrible. I never complain, but this one need training asap.

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  33. KCav

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food, atmosphere, and service, as always!

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  34. Jeffhinseattle

    Seattle

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was excellent. The food was great, the service was wonderful and on a beautiful evening, the room was opened to the street and was perfect. I thought it was a touch too expensive, but this comment is from a person who hasn't been out a lot during Covid.

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  35. AmandaG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was great, food was amazing, ambiance was cute - what more could you ask for! The steak frites were to die for. the fries were perfect & the meat melted in your mouth. oysters 10/10. Cauliflower gratin, bomb. Manilla clams - delish! Would def recommend

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Good and service were fantastic. The oysters were top notch and the wine pairings were delicious.

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  37. Margaretha

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic food and wonderful service. Really happy we came.

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  38. Goofus

    Seattle

    8 reviews

    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The atmosphere here is great and in their past incarnation as Bar Melusine I've loved their food. But we ordered too many expensive, strange, strong-flavored dishes that, while done well, were just too weird. The wine and cocktails were tasty.

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  39. DCfoodie

    Washington DC

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Being from the DC area, I can eat at a Michelin star restaurant and have better and more food for the money. Not sure I understand the food concept. We had the “prawns” (really just small shrimp) and scallops, which came out chopped. We were expecting whole scallops and shrimp.

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  40. MaryM

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful restaurant. Staff is welcoming and friendly, attentive. Food is delicious. My friend paid for my birthday dinner so I have no idea about the value. I will be revisiting this establishment.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Distancing maintained in common areas

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Boat Bar is rated 4.6 stars by 370 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
11:00 PM
Booked 13 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Boat Bar

1060 East Union St., Seattle, WA 98122

Additional information

  • Cross street
    11th Ave.
  • Neighborhood
    Capitol Hill / First Hill
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon, Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Mon, Thu–Sun 5:00 pm–6:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Seafood, French, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    None
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    Women
  • Executive chef
    Taylor Thornhill
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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